What to Expect at Home

After a flare-up of your Crohn’s disease, you may be more tired and have less energy than before. This should get better. Ask your doctor about any side effects from your new medicines. You should see your doctor on a regular basis.

If you went home with a feeding tube, you will need to learn how to use and clean the tube and your skin where the tube enters your body.

Diet

When you first go home, your doctor may ask you to drink only liquids or eat different foods from what you normally eat. Ask your doctor when you can start your regular diet.

You should eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. It is important that you get enough calories, protein, and essential nutrients from a variety of food groups.

Certain foods and drinks can make your symptoms worse. These foods may cause problems for you all the time or only during a flare-up. Try to avoid foods that make your symptoms worse.

If your body does not digest dairy foods well, limit dairy products. Try low-lactose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, or an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose. If you must stop eating dairy products, talk with a dietitian about getting enough calcium.

Too much fiber may make your symptoms worse. Try baking or stewing fruits and vegetables if eating them raw bothers you. Eat low-fiber foods if that does not help enough.

Avoid foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans, spicy food, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, raw fruit juices, and fruits -- especially citrus fruits. Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine. They may make your diarrhea worse.

Eat smaller meals, and eat more often. Drink plenty of liquids.

Ask your doctor about extra vitamins and minerals you may need:

Iron supplements (if you are anemic)

Nutrition supplements

Calcium and vitamin D supplements to help keep your bones strong

Vitamin B-12 shots, to prevent anemia.

Talk with a dietitian, especially if you lose weight or your diet becomes very limited.

Stress

You may feel worried about having a bowel accident, embarrassed, or even feel sad or depressed. Other stressful events in your life, such as moving, job loss, or the loss of a loved one, can cause problems with your digestion.

Ask your doctor or nurse about these tips to help you manage your Crohn’s disease:

Join a support group. Ask your doctor, nurse, or dietitian about groups in your area.

Exercise -- talk with your doctor about an exercise plan that’s right for you.

Try biofeedback to reduce muscle tension and slow your heart rate, deep breathing exercises, hypnosis, or other ways to relax -- such as yoga, listening to music, reading or soaking in a warm bath.

See a mental health professional for help.

Drug Treatment

Your doctor may give you some drugs to help relieve your symptoms. Based on how bad your Crohn’s disease is and how you respond to treatment, your doctor may recommend one or more of these drugs:

Anti-diarrhea drugs can help when you have very bad diarrhea. Loperamide (Imodium) can be bought without a prescription. Always talk to your doctor or nurse before using these drugs.

Fiber supplements may help your symptoms. You can buy psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) without a prescription. Ask your doctor about these.

Always talk to your doctor before using any laxative medicines.

You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain. Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) may make your symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor first. Your doctor may also give you a prescription for stronger pain medicines.

There are many types of drugs your doctor may use to prevent or treat attacks of your Crohn’s disease.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor or nurse if you have:

Cramps or pain in your lower stomach area

Bloody diarrhea, often with mucus or pus

Diarrhea that cannot be controlled with diet changes and drugs

Weight loss (in everyone) and failure to gain weight (in children)

Rectal bleeding, drainage, or sores

Fever that lasts more than 2 or 3 days, or a fever higher than 100.4 °F without an explanation